Best Electric Guitar Strings of 2018

If you are looking for the best electric guitar strings for the very best sound possible, you have come to the right place. The team here at Music Critic, have tried and tested each brand and type of metal strings available to bring you a complete review.

Electric guitar strings are measured in gauges or thickness. Lightest marked from 0.008 to the heaviest choice of .56, guitarists have a variety of options to pick from.

Now let us see some characteristics of heavy and light electric guitar strings.

Heavy Electric Guitar Cord

Harder to play.

Require more finger pressure.

Output more volume.

Preferred for low tuning.

Light Electric Guitar Cord

Easier to play.

Require less finger pressure.

Produce less volume.

Causes fret buzzing.

Bending notes is considered as an easy routine.

As mentioned above, users get a wide variety to choose from but what if you are a newbie in this very game? In this write-up, we have included the reviews of top 10 electric guitar cords so that everyone feels like home.

Here is Our Review of the Top 10 Best Electric Guitar Strings of 2018 :

Since 1962 Ernie Ball is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric guitar string and accessories. From Paul McCartney to Jimmy Page many world-class players have chosen Ernie Ball’s string to innovate.

This company gathers up latest technology around and the finest material to enhances our jamming experience. The aim of Ernie Ball was to create such high-quality electric guitar cords that provide guitarist with reliability and affordability. Ernie Ball carry all spices in one place, if you have such capabilities then this company will always back you up with some top-notch stuff.

For achieving a balanced tone regular slinky electric guitar cords by Ernie Ball consist of nickel plate steel which is wrapped around a tin plate of high-carbon steel core which allows this set of string to accompany all types of guitar and playing style.

Ernie Ball’s regular slinky electric guitar strings feature a lock twist for securing the wire around the ball. Furthermore, this prevents slippage resulting in a long-lasting string with minimal probability of breakage.

For attaining the most classic balanced tone with elite consistency and rise/fall the nickel wound slinky cords are precision wound with nickel plated steel wrap wire. Similarly, to gain the highest level of durability the core is made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire so you don’t have to worry while launching those hard beats.

Pros

+ Core wire made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire for utmost durability.

+ Plain electric guitar cords with series of lock twists for eliminating the slippery factor.

2. Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Sets for Electric Guitars

Legendary Tone, Legendary Players. Ernie Ball is all about that prime quality electric guitar cords they make so guitarists can design unforgettable tunes. With the aim of providing guitarists with affordable yet highest quality electric guitar strings, Ernie Ball is evolving the game for over 50 years.

Basically, Ernie Ball was an American entrepreneur, musician, and innovator. The mindset of Ernie Ball was that a bad string can ruin the whole tempo of music so he came forward and worked hard to provide the top electric guitar chords.

Now coming to Super Slinky guitar strings by Ernie Ball, for over 50 years these electric guitar cords have been topping the chart of favorite strings across the globe. From Green Day to Slash every professional artist considers super slinky guitar cords for creating something out of this world.

The ingredients of super slinky electric guitar cords are simple and effective, with specific gauges and core to wrap ratios users get balanced rich harmonics and that iconic slinky touch. The base aim of Ernie Ball back in 1962 was to shape the sound of rock and roll to a whole new level with super slinky guitar chords.

On the whole, the super slinky electric guitar strings consist of nickel plated steel wrapped around a tin plated high carbon steel core that promises a balanced tone in all playing styles and guitar types.

Super Slinky guitar cords feature a series of lock twists to make sure that the wire around the ball end is secure. Furthermore, this prevents slippage and ensure that guitar cords will last long along with the surety of minimal breakage.

Balanced tone with superb highs and lows in every playing style is hard to achieve. Well, say thanks to the nickel wound slinky guitar strings that are precision wound with nickel plated steel wire that allows you to reach supreme consistency.

Guitar cords that break often are of no use as one can’t afford to change guitar strings all the time. Well, that is not the case with super slinky electric guitar cords as the core is made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire that provides extreme durability.

Why We Liked It - Creating a class of its own, for over 50 years Ernie Ball is all about those prime electric guitar strings. With tin plated high carbon steel hex wire for extreme durability, lock twists for securing wire around the ball end and wound guitar cords for balanced tone - super slinky wound sets for electric guitars are perfect to do something out of the box.

3. Fender 150R Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings

The soul mission of Fender is to exceed expectations of music innovators worldwide. By unlocking the doors of the unknown in music industry Fender products are a mash-up of premium-ness and budget-savviness.

Since 1946 Fender and its players have transformed the boundaries of music worldwide in every genre possible. From beginners to the masters almost every music artist have used Fender instruments in the process of making history.

With hard work of over 50 years, Fender is now the world’s foremost manufacturer of electric guitar cords, guitars, and many more instruments.

Greatest musicians have been trusting Fender since 1946. Design, innovation, and commitment to quality have made users go bonkers over Fender instruments. The same determination reflects the string department of Fender.

Electric guitar strings made by Fender are engineered in the United States of America. Precising the details and combining finest materials ensure that every user tastes the best feeling and greatest sounding string.

Manufacturing world-class instruments is an art that Fender excels in. No matter what you do with the guitar if the guitar cords are not appropriate the result will be absurd. So choosing the perfect one for your needs need a little helping hand. You may also like to read the top soft and hard cases right here.

150R Pure Nickel Electric Guitar cords by Fender is the perfect match for people who are into blue, jazz and classic rock. State of the art quality of wire and amazing manufacturing makes sure that your guitar produces classic, round and full tones.

Why We Liked It - Beating the hurdles of sound Fender is amongst the top string manufacturing companies. The ability to produce classic, round or full tones and providing the same vintage sound quality makes 150R Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings the new king of classic rock.

4. Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Set, .009 - .042

Ernie Ball is making history since the small age of music. The aim of Ernie Ball was to provide the highest quality electric guitar cords under an affordable price range. Trying different experiments Ernie Ball is providing musicians with the top guitar chords.

Ernie Ball Super Slinky electric guitar cords are winning hearts of many all around the globe. Many legendary artists believe in super slinky guitar cords for creating something innovative.

The set of super slinky guitar strings is made up of specific gauges and core to wrap ratios which result in balanced rich harmonies with that signature slinky feel. The base aim of these super slinky guitar chords was to redefine the experience of rock and roll.

The balanced tone in all guitar types and plays is achieved by nickel plated steel wrapped around a tin plated high carbon steel core.

Slipping and breaking of guitar strings always threat guitar players to jam under a boundary line, which limits the potential. In super slinky guitar cords, all plain strings feature a series of lock twist that secures the wire around the ball end & prevents slippage and ensures long-lasting cords.

Pulling off the rhythm of classic balanced tone sound with supreme consistency in every genre is somehow impossible but super slinky guitar strings have got you covered. Nickel wound slinky guitar cords are precision wound with nickel plated steel wire that helps you to play balanced sound in every guitar types and plays.

Even the top-notch guitar strings lack durability but super slinky cords have got it all to make your investment worthwhile. The core is made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire that promises a new level of durability. These are also available for 12 string guitars.

Pros

+ Plain cords with a series of lock twists mechanism for securing slippage and breakage.

+ Excellent durability level, thanking the core which is made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire.

+ Wound strings for balanced tone.

Why We Liked It - Super Slinky strings promise a whole new level of experience. Supreme durability wound chords and series of lock twist makes super slinky chords one of its kind.

5. Gibson Brite Wires Electric Guitar Strings, Light 10-46

Gibson is known for guitars and its accessories. Behind those awesome products blossoming your experience Gibson has a deep history that one should know before being the part of this very organization.

Today, the heart of Gibson is located in the United States of America which was built in Nashville in 1947 for building the popular Les Paul guitars. When the movement of vintage stylings started growing Gibson used its history to launch the dot-neck version of ES-335 in 1981 and the flame top sunburst Les Paul in 1982.

The aim of sharing the roots of Gibson is to output the theme that Gibson is capable of doing wonders.

With same interest and determination, Gibson is proud to present Brite Wires Electric Guitar Strings that are best for the beginners and experts both.

Light electric guitar chords do not mean that you’ll face those awkward breaking moments as strings are solid and well made. “They sound amazing” - is all that we have heard so far for these guitar chords.

Nickel plating adds that durability and warmth to your guitar so you don’t have to think every time before jamming hard!

Adding these guitar chords to Les Paul or any other guitar makes a win-win situation for guitarists. Providing the utmost quality under an affordable range defines the brite wires electric guitar strings by Gibson.

Pros

+ Nickel plating adds durability and warmth to the tone.

+ Specially formulated to output bright crisp attack.

+ Swedish steel hex core.

Why We Liked It - Along with designing popular guitars, Gibson overhauls the string game as well. With nickel plating, Swedish steel hex core and bright crisp attack Brite Wires Electric Guitar Strings are capable of loads.

D’Addario is a manufacturer of guitar chords currently situated in the New York. The desire of string making is shining in this company as it is a family generated business which means that the D’Addario string owner is covered by the passionates themselves.

The D’Addario family of electric guitar strings was brought in to act in the small Italian town of Salle. After the earthquake of 1905, two brothers-in-law Rocco and Carmine D’Addario emigrated to New York for expanding their family business. The rise of guitars in 1930’s pushed the family into making guitar chords for different manufacturers. With same love towards making chords, D’Addario is now counted amongst the top string making companies in the USA.

NYXL1046 by D’Addario are designed with popular string gauges for comfortable play with an ideal electric tone. These electric guitar chords promise to bend farther, sound louder and stay in better tune when compared to other competitors.

Playing fearlessly is somehow difficult but now things are changed. This newly engineered, break-resistant, high-carbon steel core and plain steel alloy delivers a new level of freedom, power, and control.

These electric guitar chords provide more strength and up to 131% greater tuning stability, thanks to the completely reinvented wire drawing process added with a revolutionary “fusion twist” process for the plain steels.

Pros

+ New York manufactured high carbon steel alloy for playing fearlessly.

Why We Liked It - D’Addario is knocking off every contender that title itself as the best string manufacturer. Better and faster tuning process, High carbon steel alloy for playing fearlessly and wound guitar strings for enhanced mid-range frequency response couples up with each other to output the tone of the era.

7. DR Strings NMCE-10 DR NEON Electric Strings, Medium

DR Strings are the only popular group known for the manufacturing of Hand-Made chords. This company believes that Hand-Made strings surpass the quality of machine made chords. With same acceptance, DR Strings are making Hand-Made strings for people who want to sound original and good.

Manufacturing standards are high in DR Strings factory all the times. Everyone in the production house wore gloves all the time as each set of guitar chords are being made to be in the perfect condition. Furthermore, at every stage, the wires are checked so that at arrival every string stays in its original condition. Similarly, each and every wrap is inspected during production to make sure that windings are perfect. At last, these electric guitar chords are sealed inside an airtight anti-corrosion packaging.

“There are certain things that you can’t teach the machine” with this motto DR Strings make the top Hand-Made chords so one can feel the difference in between the invention and nature.

NMCE-10 Neon Electric Strings by DR Strings are super bright color coated strings that are bound to sound clear, powerful and musical. Mix neon colors give out a unique impression with the same remarkable sound.

Speaking more about the neon colors, they are super bright in daylight and under artificial lighting, whereas 100% black light reactive and glow strongly under UV lighting. Neon colors last longer like a typically coated string but with a greater quality of sound.

Why We Liked It - It doesn't matter if you are taking on the stage, jamming at home or learning to play guitar these guitar strings are built to last longer, sound and look better than any other competitors. With six different colors, Neon K3 coating and 4-times stronger than uncoated guitar strings one can trust NMCE-10 to rock any stage.

Elixir Strings was born back in 1995 with the idea of push-pull cables. As the research team was coating the guitar strings with polytetrafluoroethylene they worked quite well as cables but were worse for a guitar’s string. Some people in the company who was into guitars thought of altering the coating and tinker with the process so that the guitar strings would sound greater.

After analyzing and studying various tones and measuring frequencies Elixir Guitar Strings came up to a conclusion of combining original POLYWEB coating and Ultra-thin NANOWEB strings for every type of guitar.

Since developing the new league of POLYWEB coating and Ultra-thin NANOWEB strings the reason behind making premium strings of Elixir Strings is simple, they want you to have more quality playing time.

Electric Guitar Strings with NANOWEB Coating always feel right in every genre. Those shiny looking guitar strings have a lot more hidden that a human eye can't see. Sweat, dirt, and pollution can damage your guitar chords. Well with Elixir Strings you are totally covered as you are getting the world-class protection that is crafted to endure.

Although POLYWEB coating was a blast from the past some players wanted that traditional feel. As a response to those hard-working players, NANOWEB coating was engineered. This Ultra-thin coating output a brighter yet crispier tone while offering the same promise of tone-life protection like POLYWEB.

Pros

+ Constructed with nickel-plated steel wrap wire.

+ Known for its bright, vibrant presence and dynamic punch.

Why We Liked It - NANOWEB coating, nickel-plated steel wrap wire, and extreme protection make Elixir Guitar Strings are one of the posh players in the league.

Elixir Guitar Strings are reinventing the game of coated strings since 1997. With one simple aim of providing you with the quality playing time, Elixir Strings has earned a sweet-spot amongst many professionals.

Sessions after sessions Elixir electric guitar chords have never disappointed the users with those breakage moments. Experienced players all around the world trust Elixir Strings for corrosion-defying strings to keep their tone longer than any so-called top strings.

With same perspective and determination, electric guitar chords with NANOWEB Coating by Elixir Strings is brought into the act.

Coating the electric guitar chords just from the outside is simply cheap. Unlike other brands, these guitar chords are coated from both inside and outside. While protecting the outer string surface from dust and stuff, inside coating protect gaps between the winding where common tone-deadening gunk typically builds up. This results in longer tone than any other brand’s string, coated or uncoated.

Guitar Strings that don’t have a wrap wire is now also covered by Elixir Strings. With Anti-Rust Plating even the plain strings knock off the bad elements. This ensures that you really have more jamming time!

Pros

+ Chords are now coated from inside as well.

+ Anti-Rust plating saves plain strings from bad elements.

+ NANOWEB Coating.

Why We Liked It - Electric guitar strings with NANOWEB Coating by Elixir Strings are just on another level for providing you with the best. With NANOWEB coating, anti-rust playing and full covered strings, you can create history.

10. D'Addario EXL110-10P Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Family power can reach the utmost level of anything. Since 1905 D’Addario is into strong business spreading the boundaries of music. Now D’Addario is a well-known string manufacturing company that has earned a lot of respect from the music professionals.

In present, it all starts with exclusively engineered and built string winding machines. Combining the most advanced computer controlled winding technology and stringent incoming wire inspection outputs sets after sets.

EXL110-10P by D’Addario are created to set a special link in between you and the guitar. Long lasting and distinctive tone is achieved by XL’s precision wound with highly magnetic nickel-plated steel so that one can set a whole new example.

These guitar strings are constructed with round wound style as it is the most popular yet comfortable to all. Similarly, for achieving a brighter tone EXL110-10P use industry standard XL nickel-plated steel that comes in handy with almost every genre playing style.

Why We Liked It - EXL110-10P strings are for those that believe in a rich yet bright tone. Round wound pattern, nickel plated steel and highest quality material jots up to make EXL110-10P by D’Addario.

Electric Guitar Strings Buyers Guide

Top Pick

This portion consists of the product that combines the top in line with an affordable price range. People with medium price range won’t find any best alternative then this very product listed in our top pick.

Ernie Ball aim was to create such guitar strings that can match up with the gear for producing unique tones. For over 50 years this company has worked hard to bring affordable yet best strings to every musician. You have already heard about this product in the reviews above but here is a little more detail.

Regular Slinky Strings by Ernie Ball is winning the heart of many professional for over 50 years. From Green Day to the Rolling Stones every legendary player has tasted that legendary tone outputted by the Regular Slinky Strings.

Specific gauges and core to wrap ratios are mashed up with each other for providing balanced rich harmonics and that signature slinky feel. The Founder Ernie Ball designed Regular Slinky Strings for mastering the sound of rock n roll.

Achieving a balanced tone for all guitar types and playing styles need a hell of innovation. Well with Regular Slinky Strings by Ernie Ball you experience the impossible, say thanks to the nickel wound slinky strings that consist of nickel plated steel wrapped around a tin plated high carbon steel core.

These Regular Slinky Guitar Strings feature a series of lock twists on plain strings for securing the wire around the ball end. This prevents slippage and ensures that your strings last longer than ever.

Classic balanced tone with supreme consistency is achieved by nickel wound slinky strings that are precision wound with nickel plated steel wire. Furthermore, extreme durability is promised by the core as it is made up of tin plated high carbon steel hex wire so you can jam hard anywhere and anytime. To get the best sound, we recommend using a an electric tuner like these.

Digging deep inside the heart of many guitarists this regular slinky strings by Ernie Ball holds great potential. Features like lock twists mechanism, wounded strings and tin plated high carbon steel core wire ensure that your investment is gone worthwhile.

Premium Choice

Breaking the barriers of budget and picking the best reflects the product reviewed in our premium choice section. Although this may put a little pressure on your budget it is definitely worth spending.

Innovating the guitar strings is the favorite hobby of Ernie Ball. This company aimed to give guitarist with the best electric guitar strings possible under an affordable price range so that one could create something different. You have already heard about this product in the reviews above but here is a little more detail.

Since 1962 Legendary players prefer to use Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound sets for unlocking the mysterious doors of various tones. From Jimmy Page to Slash many popular musicians love to play these electric guitar strings.

The signature recipe of these Super Slinky Nickel Wound sets consist of specific gauges and core to wrap ratios that result in balanced rich harmonics and that typical slinky feel. These guitar strings were specially designed to redefine the experience of rock n roll.

The balanced tone in all guitar types and playing styles is achieved by nickel plated steel wrapped around a tin plated high carbon steel core.

Slippage and string breaking is causal in other brands but Ernie Ball has got you covered.

These guitar string by Ernie Ball are a perfect gift for the one who likes to innovate. Excellent durability wound strings and lock twists mechanism make these guitar strings one in millions.

Great Value

Ever heard of getting best in less? If no then our great value product has got your back for breaking the stereotypes.

ou have already heard about this product in the reviews above but here is a little more detail.

Known for manufacturing world-class audio equipment, Fender also knows what it is like to have an odd pack of strings. That is why this company had also taken part in the string making league so that guitarist have a trustable option.

Fender believes that a guitar is only going to sound good when the strings game is high enough. That is why they introduced 150R Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings under an affordable price range so that everyone can get their hands on it.

These guitar strings are the perfect match for people who play blues, jazz or classic rock. Similarly, they produce classic, round and full tones to lighten up your performance.

New tones are okay but those vintage tones cannot be altered. That is why Fender used the highest quality wire available for bringing the vintage tone with modern-day technology.

From manufacturing guitars to its accessories Fender makes sure that you are backed up by the professionals. 150R Pure Nickel Electric Guitar Strings by Fender is best if you are looking something great under a cheap price tag.

We hope you like the reviews above. However, we believe that reviews alone can't help much picking up the best product for you. In order to help you in this regard, we have carefully devised our buying guide, which should be used with the reviews.

Strings hold immense importance for providing the perfect tone possible. No matter which guitar you invest in if the strings don’t hold up to highest quality standards the result will remain average.

Stock strings are good but pairing your guitar with the best strings available can take your jamming game to a whole new level. That is why we are here to introduce some state of the art strings so you can create something out of this world.

FAQ’s

What should be considered when choosing guitar strings?

Choosing the right gauge can play an important role in how efficiently your guitar sounds.

People who like to play hotter tones with low-end frequency might choose thicker gauges but note that these guitar strings are harder to play.

On the other side, beginners who have just stepped into the game might choose lighter gauges as they are easy to play but might cause tuning stability issues.

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